We continue to learn more about cannabinoids as we gain a deeper understanding of cannabis. Although cannabis plant cannabinoids have similar properties, they are also unique and produce synergistic effects when combined. Researchers have identified and isolated over 100 distinct cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
Several researchers have found that when cannabinoids are consumed together as a combination, as opposed to when they are taken individually, the effects of the cannabinoids are more potent, which is called the “entourage effect.”
To decide which cannabinoids are best for you, you can compare CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THC – the major types of cannabinoids you might encounter.
Cannabinoids: What Are They?
They are a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous glands of cannabis plants and were first discovered and isolated in the 1950s by Israeli researchers. Cannabis has many medicinal effects because these compounds are hailed for their multiple therapeutic effects.
You can extract cannabinoids from cannabis in various ways (broad-spectrum oil, isolate, etc.) or consume them directly. There are several different cannabinoids in different cannabis strains, and each cannabinoid has unique effects, so research the strains that are high in the cannabinoid you’re looking for.
CBD (cannabidiol)
Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD does not cause the euphoric effects or high that can be experienced with THC. CBD is one of the more popular cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
Cannabis plants have an abundance of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but hemp has the highest concentration of CBD.
A growing number of applications for CBD as a potential treatment are continuously under reasearch. Because of the rapid growth in research and popularity of CBD, it can serve as a helpful baseline when exploring the potential benefits of lesser-known cannabinoids.
CBD Treatments
May Relieve Pain
In your nervous system, endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are neurotransmitters.
CBD can help reduce chronic pain through endocannabinoid receptor activity, inflammation reduction, and neurotransmitter modulation.
CBD appears to be effective for some types of pain when used alone, including nerve and back pain. Combined with THC, however, it may be more effective.
Could Reduce Mental Health Symptoms
Several people suffering from anxiety disorders have become interested in CBD oil because it shows promise as a treatment.
Researchers in Brazil found that 300 mg of CBD significantly reduced anxiety during a simulated public speaking test when given 90 minutes before the test.
People with PTSD, a type of anxiety disorder, can safely use CBD oil to treat insomnia and anxiety.
CBD, like THC activate Serotonin receptors, the “happy chemical,” which aids in treating depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Cancer Symptoms May be Alleviated
CBD may help those experiencing nausea, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer treatment.
177 patients who had cancer-related pain and were not responding to pain medication were studied in a study examining the effects of CBD and THC.
THC and CBD extracts significantly reduced pain in patients compared to those treated with only THC extracts.
CBD is under research in lab studies on mice or human cells as a cancer treatment. According to some studies, CBD inhibited the growth of cancer cells in mice with lung cancer or colon cancer.
Using CBD and THC, glioblastoma cancer cells were killed in a study on mice.
Neuroprotective properties may be present
Researchers believe that CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain-signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
In fact, one of the most studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and MS.
People with MS can reduce muscle spasticity with Sativex, a medication containing CBD and THC.
Approximately 75% of 276 MS patients suffering from muscle spasticity who had not been able to resolve the problem with medications reported that Sativex had reduced the spasms.
Other studies found that CBD oil reduced seizures by 36.5% in people with severe epilepsy if given 0.9 and 2.3 grams per pound (2 to 5 grams per kilogram) of body weight.
Children with Dravet syndrome, a childhood epilepsy disorder, were significantly less likely to suffer from seizures when CBD oil was taken than a placebo.
The FDA has approved one CBD product for use in treating several seizure disorders.
People with Parkinson’s disease can also benefit from CBD treatment to improve their quality of life and sleep.
Heart health may be improved
According to research, CBD has several health benefits, including lowering high blood pressure.
In addition to strokes, heart attacks, and metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure increases the risk of many health conditions.
After repeated CBD dosing, CBD reduces arterial stiffness and improves blood flow through arteries.
In addition to these health issues, CBD has been studied for its potential role in treating various conditions.
The difference between cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD)
It is worth exploring some differences between these two cannabinoids that influence the body similarly.
The precursor to cannabigerol (CBG) is cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Cannabis plants, exposed to light and heat, break down CBGA into THC, CBG, and CBD.
Cognitive function is another area where CBD and CBG share similarities. Cannabis products are often criticized for their psychoactive effects, but CBD is praised for its non-psychotropic effects. The compound CBG is not a psychoactive substance.
There is evidence that CBG reduces inflammation, acts as an antibacterial agent, and even protects neurons.
Although it appears to be able to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, the amount of CBG in cannabis plants is much lower than that of CBD.
Access is likely the most significant factor in determining whether CBD or CBG is your best choice. CBD products are much more plentiful on the market than CBG products, however, both CBD and CBG appear to have similar therapeutic effects, so it may be beneficial to try both.
CBG studies have shown it can help you in the following ways
Skincare
You can expect healthy skin on a cellular level with the combination of squalane oil and vitamin C – it’s the ultimate healer for unwanted blemishes, inflammation, and irritation.
A proactive way for your skin to keep happy, clear, and nourished, CBG is an excellent addition to an efficient, simple skincare regimen.
Mental
In the same way, CBD oil is shown to calm anxiety and relieve stress, CBG oil acts as a potent regulator for mental health.
We all know stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact our mental and physical health. Through the production of dopamine and preservation of anandamide (a neurotransmitter known as the bliss molecule), CBG oil may be the tool that can finally help alleviate these disorders.
Below is how CBG affects your brain:
- Enhances pleasure and motivation
- Regulates appetite and sleep
- Alleviates pain
- Increases energy
Eye Health
It has been suggested that the endocannabinoid system maintains eye health because there is a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in eye tissues.
Researchers have found that cannabinoids, especially CBG, may help to regulate a healthy intraocular eye pressure level. High eye pressure can interfere with blood flow to the optic nerves, resulting in impaired vision.
Inflammatory Response
CBG has demonstrated effects on specific inflammatory channels related to inflammation in mice, similar to CBD’s role in supporting a healthy immune response.
CBG reduces inflammation in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease, which millions struggle with daily.
Metabolic Process
A recent study found that CBG could affect the fat storage process, specifically in the adipocyte tissues closely associated with obesity.
While this study came from a computer simulation, its positive findings can be used to advance studies on CBG and fat metabolism in animals and humans.
Cannabinol (CBN) vs. CBD
It is derived from the cannabis plant as a cannabinoid known as CBN. Despite its similarities to CBD, it is derived from oxidation rather than from its production. To make CBN, manufacturers expose THC to heat and light, which breaks it down. Cannabis strains do not contain high levels of CBN because of this.
The production of CBD is a relatively simple process involving heat and cannabidiolic acid; however, the process of producing CBN is a bit more complicated.
Other ways to create CBN besides the acidic precursor, cannabinol acid; as the acid is heated, it produces THCV. Alternatively, adding time and no heat can convert tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) acid into CBN.
CBN can be formed in various ways, whereas CBD can only develop in one way.
There are some similarities between CBD and CBN, including their antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In terms of psychoactive effects, CBD and CBN differ. CBN may have very mild psychoactive effects, while CBD does not induce any intoxicating effect.
CBN may have potential benefits
In terms of human clinical trials, there needs to be more research on CBN, but some preclinical studies suggest that the drug may be helpful in several ways.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Treatment
Skin fragility and blistering are common symptoms of epidermolysis bullosa
According to InMed Pharmaceuticals, CBN cream is well received on unbroken skin and open wounds during the second phase of its clinical trial. It did not delay wound healing in any way. Inflammation could prevent chronic injuries from healing, so CBN may help treat chronic wounds.
Glaucoma Symptoms
A lowered eye pressure may slow the progression of glaucoma, which causes blindness and vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is associated with high eye pressure, so using CBN to lower it may help.
A study by InMed Pharmaceuticals, CBN outperforms CBD and THC when high pressure exposes itself to cells. Furthermore, CBN can exhibit neuroprotective properties, which reduce or prevents natural cell death in the nervous system.
Chronic Muscle Pain
In a study conducted on rats in 2019, CBN and CBD combined reduced muscle sensitivity. Based on the research, people suffering from Temporomandibular disorders (pain in the jaw muscles, joints, and nerves) and fibromyalgia (pain all over the body) may find CBN helps with treatment. This theory has yet to be tested in clinical trials.
Take note; inadvertently, CBN has led to drug test failures.
THC vs. CBD: what’s the difference?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the cannabinoid that induces the “high” from cannabis
THC and CBD are two of the most prevalent cannabinoids but differ significantly. As well as their mechanisms of action, CBD and THC differ in their effects.
CBD only weakly binds to cannabinoid receptors and instead acts on non-cannabinoid receptors, while THC most likely triggers its effects through direct binding to cannabinoid receptors.
CBD and THC share similarities, such as providing their hosts with therapeutic effects. As with CBD, THC is also helpful for improving sleep, reducing pain, and boosting mood.
Cannabis Medical Benefits
Cannabis has been studied for its benefits in the following areas:
- Pain relief
- Improved sleep
- Reduced nausea and vomiting
- Improved appetite
- Improved quality of life
Conclusion
Research has been conducted on CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, and THC to determine their medical benefits. In many ways, each cannabinoid has proven to be effective at alleviating specific symptoms, depending on what you need help with.
Use this article as a guide to decide which cannabinoid will help you deal with or overcome the ailment you are suffering from based on the benefits studied in each of these cannabinoids.